(Shelby) Iowa farm history will be showcased September 7 and 8 at Carstens Farm during the 42nd Annual Carstens Farm Days.
Terry Torneten, Carstens Farmstead Board Member, said the show does a great job of celebrating Iowa’s farm history. This farm show highlights threshing, sawmill operations, crafters and vendors, a quilt show and of course, tractors. The Farm Days show has something for everyone throughout the weekend.
Horse, steam and gas power
Come see steam engines powering antique threshing machines, antique cars, trucks and machinery, a parade, crafts, and entertainment. Over two hundred restored antique tractors will be on display. The original Carstens farm buildings will be open for tours. The buildings will be alive with demonstrations that will bring back memories for older visitors and teach valuable history lessons to young people.
Food for all
A Friday evening pulled pork sandwich dinner will be hosted by the Friends of the Shelby Stone Arch Trail Committee. Proceeds of the Friday evening dinner will go to the trail committee. The dinner will be served from 5:00 – 7:30 pm.
A breakfast is planned at 6:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Snacks and lunch options provided by Leonard’s Lunchbox of Avoca will be available. Various non-profit local groups will be offering refreshments and delicious desserts all weekend. Homemade ice cream will be in plentiful supply during Farm Days.
On Saturday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., enjoy Staley’s Chicken dinner. The dinner will be $15 for adults and $10 for kids age 8 and under. Dinner proceeds will go toward on-going maintenance at Carstens 1880 Farmstead.
Ford and Ferguson Tractors and Equipment to Be Featured
Ford and Ferguson equipment of all types will be featured during Farm Days. Ford and Ferguson tractor and implement owners are invited to bring their exhibits to display throughout the weekend.
Horsepower-testing, sawmill operations and field demonstrations will occupy tractor exhibitors all day. Over 250 pieces of vintage equipment were on display during the 2023 Farm Days show. Visitors can enjoy watching most of the restored tractors as they go through the parade each afternoon at 2 p.m.
Quilt Show
A colorful display of quilts, wall hangings, wearable art and other types of quilting projects will be featured in the special event building at the farm. A raffle for a handmade quilt will happen on Sunday evening. Tickets will be sold throughout the weekend. Many talented quilters from around the area will allow their works of art to be displayed for all to enjoy. Even if you have never displayed a quilt before, consider joining the fun and bringing a quilt to display. Exhibitors are asked to deliver their quilts on Friday, September 6. For details about the quilt show or to inquire about adding your quilt to the collection, please call Kristina Larsen at 402-637-8880.
Crafts, plants and treats galore
There will be over fifty crafters and vendors on hand. A wide array of crafts, plants, vintage and antique items will be available. From unique wooden creations to home raised honey, there will be something for everyone. A very healthy crop of farm-grown potatoes will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of potatoes will help make improvements to the farmstead.
Three handmade miniature barns will be raffled on Sunday evening. Tickets are $5 each and will sold throughout the weekend.
Sunday Worship
On Sunday morning a non-denominational worship service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Carstens home. Worship will be led by the Silver Creek United Methodist Church, Hancock. Everyone is welcome to join in the worship service.
Admission
Admission is $10 per day for everyone nine years and older.
Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc., a non-profit group of local volunteers, oversees a 75-acre working farm museum exhibit located between Minden and Shelby, Iowa in Pottawattamie County. The farmstead is the home of Carstens Farm Days, which is held the first weekend after Labor Day each September. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information visit the web site: www.carstensfarm.com.
